Charger Report

Will this explosive Chargers player continue his fantasy football rise?

For the short term, Kimani Vidal can help your fantasy team
Thomas Martinez|
[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Sep 5, 2025; Sao Paulo, BRAZIL; Los Angeles Chargers center Bradley Bozeman (75) and offensive tackle Joe Alt (76) before a NFL game at Corinthians Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amanda Perobelli/Reuters via Imagn Images
[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Sep 5, 2025; Sao Paulo, BRAZIL; Los Angeles Chargers center Bradley Bozeman (75) and offensive tackle Joe Alt (76) before a NFL game at Corinthians Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amanda Perobelli/Reuters via Imagn Images | Amanda Perobelli/Reuters via Imagn Images

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Los Angeles Chargers

The running backs for the Los Angeles Chargers have suffered bad injury luck this season and have left fantasy managers scrambling to find replacements. Veteran Najee Harris was lost for the season in Week 3 against the Denver Broncos following a non-contact Achilles tendon tear. First-round rookie Omarion Hampton stepped into the bell cow role before going down with a high ankle sprain in week 5 and being placed on injured reserve.

Second-year running back Kimani Vidal answered the bell when the Chargers needed him. Vidal has been the main back in weeks 6-8 and has rushed for 261 yards and a touchdown while adding eight receptions and a receiving touchdown. Vidal has averaged 16.6 fantasy points over those three games in PPR formats.

RELATED: Chargers could target Saints for under-the-radar NFL trade deadline deal

Kimani Vidal is explosive

Kimani Vidal is currently taking a 12.96 explosive percent into Nashville to face a defense possibly missing it's top defensive lineman according to Sumer Sports. Explosive percent is defined by Sumer Sports as the percent of rushing plays that are in the top 10 percent of yards gained.

Vidal, based on the data from Sumer Sports, has the highest explosive percent in the NFL amongst running backs with at least 50 carries.

RELATED: Is Chargers' most obvious trade target suddenly off the table?

Omarion Hampton's return is not imminent and therefore Vidal will be leaned on as the top back for Los Angeles and is currently considered a top 12 fantasy running back option. Based on his performance to date, Vidal should be considered as high as a number two running back or flex option for fantasy managers.

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Thomas Martinez
THOMAS MARTINEZ

Thomas Martinez has covered the Chargers and the NFL draft since 2022. Born and raised as a Chargers fan, experienced the improbable Super Bowl run in the 94’ season as a child, survived Ryan Leaf, the Marlon McCree fumble and Nate Kaeding in the playoffs. He graduated from UC Riverside with a degree in Political Science and The University of Redlands with an MBA.

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